There could be a trade coming through sooner, rather than later for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the Lightning have been linked to trade talks with the Nashville Predators surrounding forward Cole Smith.
Smith left the Predators' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Ironically, he took a three second shift before heading to the Nashville locker room while his teammates tapped their sticks to him.
Smith has been playing on the Predators' third line as of late, but he'd likely slot in on the Lightning's fourth line if Julien BriseBois brings him on board. The 30-year-old forward is in the final year of a two-year deal that carries a cap hit of $1 million.
In 41 games this season, Smith has scored six goals, just three off of his career high, and registered a total of 10 points. He's also recorded 31 penalty minutes.
Based on the manner of Smith's exit from the game, it seems like a move would be announced relatively soon if one is coming through the wire, however stranger things have happened leading up to the Trade Deadline.